AFTER weeks of endless battles, the  die is cast  now as the first ever live episode of  the country’s version of the internationally acclaimed reality singing competition, The Voice Nigeria hit the airwaves  last Sunday.   The show, which made its debut on Sunday,  April 10, kicked off with the 12th episode of Season One.

The live shows involve four members of each team performing, with the coach choosing to save one contestant and the three remaining contestants put up for public voting. One lucky contestant who amasses the most votes ends up being saved. The  night’s show, however, was punctuated with a grand display of raw talent, versatility and spectacular performances by the contestants who sang their hearts out, all in the bid  to win the confidence of the coaches.

TeamWaje got the show rolling as the contestants took to the stage one after another. Khemmie performed Pharell William’s Happy, while Promise sang Flavour’s Golibe. Shammar thrilled the audience with Etta James’ I’d rather go blind and Michael sang Luther Vandross’ Never too much to Waje’s admiration as she chose to save him.

TeamTimiDakolo was up next and the entertaining Joe Blue thrilled the audience with his showmanship as he performed Amy Winehouse’s Rehab. Grace Mac touched a few nostalgic nerves as she sang Celine Dion’s My Heart will go on. Dewe followed with James Brown’s It’s a Man’s World. Timi eventually made the tough call and saved Vicky.

Following this string of impressive performances was  TeamPatoranking with the silky Prime kicking off with his expert rendition of Chris Brown’s Fine China. Sylvia Charles sang Beyonce’s Single Ladies with the quintessential ladies’ man, Chike electrifying the room with his rendition of Darey Art Alade’s Not the Girl and Linda Inneka raised the bar with her performance of Sia’s Chandelier. Chike was saved by Patoranking.

TeamTubaba had Gabriel who sang John Legend’s Tonight and the strong voiced Viveeyan who performed Asa’s Subway.